MEET
THE TEAM
TEAM MEMBERS.
Meet the Changemakers of Siyafunda: Our team is the heartbeat of our mission. Each member brings a unique spirit of innovation, dedication, and a relentless drive to empower through education. Get acquainted with the passionate professionals who are not just part of our team but are the very architects of change in the educational landscape.
Chief of Infinite Possibilities
Chair of Board Member
Erica Wicomb
Founder of Balance the Future Pty Ltd, with a rich 20-year journey in Social & Skills Development for giants like Sasria and the Bryan Habana Foundation. A believer in the power of partnerships, Erica's leadership is marked by inclusivity and innovative thinking. At the heart of her work is the Shared Value Business Model, guiding our foundation's programs with compassion and determination.
Chief Financial Maestro
Treasurer/Board Member
Wouter Van Schaik
Founder/Director of FD on Call and Accounts on Call, revolutionising financial management for SMEs to large corporations in the Western Cape. Wouter's innovative approach offers the expertise of a seasoned Chartered Accountant, structuring businesses for growth without the overheads. His vision ensures that your financial direction is always aligned with prosperity, paying only for your needed expertise.
Guardian of Legality
Board Member
Nicky Lurwengu
Seasoned leader with a track record of excellence from SRC President to his pivotal role at Eduvos. Currently shining as the Director of Operations at LE Consult Group since 2016, he's the driving force behind labour relations, steering disciplinary hearings, wage negotiations, and more with unmatched expertise in labour law.
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Lead Brand Maestro
Board Member
Andrea Slater
Strategic marketing and brand management expert with a heart for corporate social responsibility. Boasting over 12 years in the corporate sphere and a Cum Laude Btech in Public Relations Management, she's all about positive impact and growth. Outside the office, Andrea loves the outdoors, culinary experiments for her little one, and enriching her mind with podcasts. Living by Mahatma Gandhi's words, 'In a gentle way, you can shake the world,' Andrea embodies the spirit of making meaningful change.
Founding Mastermind-in-Chief
Felix Spies
Felix Spies is the founder and CEO of the Siyafunda Education Foundation and is dedicated to providing quality access to STEM education through innovative, community-driven programs. With a BSc Human Life Sciences and Psychology from Stellenbosch University, Felix furthered his education with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cape Town and a BEd Honours in Educational Management from North-West University.
He also completed the short learning programmes in Coding and Robotics at UNISA. He was awarded the Hidden Heroes Academic Scholarship from Henley Business School to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice and is currently in his final stages of completing his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Henley Business School under the Deans Scholarship.
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Felix's passion for education and community empowerment led him to establish the Siyafunda Education Foundation in 2018, aiming to bridge the gap in STEM education for learners in under-resourced areas. His work emphasizes the importance of coding and robotics in preparing youth for the future job market.
Board Member
Marsha Solomon
Marsha Cindy Solomon is an accomplished academic leader with over 17 years’ experience in the South African TVET sector. Currently serving as an Academic Assistant Director, she fulfils multiple senior roles focused on academic innovation, curriculum strategy, and student success. Marsha holds a BA hons degree and 2 Post graduate degrees in Education and Strategic TVET Leadership and Corporate Governance. She is a registered assessor and moderator and served 10years on the World Skills ZA board. A passionate mentor and founder of Career Smart, she champions student development and skills readiness.
Northern Cape Leadership Luminary
Heine Kulsen
Our esteemed Northern Cape Programme Coordinator with an extensive background in education management. With a B.Ed. (Hons) and currently pursuing an M.Ed., Heine brings over 29 years of diverse educational experience, having served as Departmental Head, Acting Principal, and Principal. His expertise is bolstered by a range of qualifications, from SACE and NHBRC certificates to specialized training in anti-bullying, strategic planning, and financial management for educational leaders. Heine's dedication extends beyond administrative roles, actively supporting and nurturing both students and educators through innovative solutions and pastoral care.
Programme Coordinator
Mfundo Gwamanda
Mfundo is a passionate youth leader and recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award. Recognised for his academic dedication, he has received two full tuition bursaries from Boston City Campus, where he is currently completing his Bachelor of Social Science. Mfundo was also selected to meet Prince William during the Royal’s visit to South Africa in 2023. With deep respect for his roots and a commitment to personal growth, Mfundo brings a grounded, purpose-driven energy to SEF’s mission of empowering youth through education.